Family: Modern Islamic Discourses: Turkey and the Caucasus

(1,430 words)

Throughout history, the family has been considered the backbone of
Turkish and Caucasian societies, and its importance was reinforced by
religion. Among the Turkish societies of the region, the family is seen as sacred and protected by God, and women
are regarded as such an integral part of the family that the Turkish
word for family,
aile
, is sometimes used to refer to a wife. However, the position of
women in the family and society varies greatly and may seem both
emancipatory and restrictive, as it has historically been the target of
both progress…